Blood group examination, eye check-up, counselling on family planning being provided

Live demonstration of ‘asanas’ by members of Morarji Desai Yoga Institute conducted

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare is providing special health care services to visitors at its pavilion at the ongoing India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan here.

Strategically located near Gate No.1 of the sprawling exhibition ground, the health pavilion is providing various health check-ups, blood group examination, eye check-up, counselling for contraceptive choices and family planning methods.

Besides gynaecological check-up and HIV/AIDS counselling, the other services being provided include free counselling on health issues by Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani and Homoeopathic doctors.

One of the key highlights of the pavilion is the provision of health care services by eminent doctors from leading hospitals in and around Delhi. Taking into account the Ministry’s emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, the theme for this year is “healthy habits, healthy people and healthy India”.

In the entire pavilion, healthy lifestyle has been highlighted by focusing on issues like dietary habits, exercises to keep fit, lifestyle diseases — preventive and curative aspects — and cleanliness and hygiene including importance of hand washing.

The ill-effects of bad food habits have been emphasised by focusing on avoidance of junk food. Charts detailing the calorie intake of junk food like cheese burgers, medium French fries, slice pizzas, samosas and aerated drinks have been highlighted. Youngsters and adults are being encouraged to eat green leafy vegetables, “kala chana”, rajma, chhole, soyabean and brown bread.

“The special feature of the health pavilion is that so far 226 male sterilisation operations have been performed. This is a record number of operations and we plan to double it in the coming days of the fair before it ends on November 27. To encourage people to remain in good health, there is live demonstration and training on various ‘asanas’ by members of the Morarji Desai Yoga Institute,” said R.S. Neena Kalky of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

The do’s and don’ts of lifestyle diseases have also been emphasised through themes such as diabetes and heart diseases. Panels on nutrition and diet charts been put on display.

The health-related services offered at the pavilion last year have also been included this year. A special highlight is the participation of UNICEF which has provided special panels on routine immunisation in the context of the National Rural Health Mission. The Central Council of Ayush is also participating and there is a provision for yoga demonstration at the pavilion.

A number of non-government organisations such as Venu Eye Foundation, Heart Care Foundation, Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, Voluntary Health Association of India are also taking part in the health pavilion.

The National AIDS Control Organisation has also set up a counselling centre.